Morocco man attempts to stab cleric during prayers broadcasted on live TV

A man has attempted to attack a cleric leading prayers in the Moroccan capital Rabat - an incident that was broadcasted live on state television.

The knife-wielding assailant attempted to attack the cleric on Friday during communal prayers, local news website Hespress reported.

"The Hassan mosque descended into chaos when a young man sitting in the front row of prayers advanced on the pulpit and took out a knife. Bystanders intervened to take it from him," the report said.

"The knife he was carrying was around half a metre long,"

The report added that the imam was forced to cut short the prayers as a "state of chaos" erupted in the mosque.

Videos shared on social media show worshippers gathered outside the mosque in the aftermath of the attempted attack.

The incident happened as the service was being aired on state broadcaster al-Aoula and 2M.

Local media reported on Saturday that Moroccan authorities have transferred the 29-year old "mentally ill" suspect to hospital for mental health examinations.